TSTC Visual Standard Guide 2020

COMMUNICATIONS / ASSOCIATED PRESS STYLE
Writing Using
Associated Press Style
The Communication and Creative Services department
has come up with some messaging guidelines based
on Associated Press (AP) standards that you may
find useful.
Academic Degrees
Associate of Applied Science — AAS
Associate is singular and not possessive.
• He earned an associate degree in Engineering.
is correct
• He earned an associates degree in Engineering.
is incorrect
• He earned an associate’s degree in Engineering.
is incorrect
Alumni
Alumnus
singular masculine
Alumni
plural masculine, word can be used for collective body
of men and women
Alumna
singular feminine
Alumnae
plural feminine
Alum or Alums
for informal use only
Class
Capitalize the word “class” when referring to a
graduating body of students.
Example:
He was a member of the Class of 2020.
Dates and Times
The name of a semester of study is capitalized, but
lowercased if referring to semester or season separately.
Example:
• He took classes during 2015 Fall Semester.
• He took classes in the fall.
• He took classes last semester.
Departments and Disciplines
Capitalize the formal names of departments and offices,
as well as the Board of Regents. Do not capitalize
informal names.
• Office of the Provost
• Financial Aid department
• The board (informal name for Board of Regents)
• The regents
• The office
Telephone and Fax Numbers
Phone and Fax numbers should be formatted in
AP (Associated Press) Style using dashes between
the numbers.
• 956-292-9725 is correct
• 956/292-9725 is incorrect
• (956) 292-9725 is incorrect
• 956/292/9725 is incorrect
• 956.292.9225 is incorrect
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TSTC | BRAND IDENTITY